Transcript Highlights:

• The executive budget produces a 33% reduction in day service rates, dropping the rate from 10...
• The executive budget produces a 33% reduction in day service rates, dropping the rate from 1081 per unit
• The turnover rates are incredibly low, and the rates of abuse and neglect are almost non-existent.
• It is also important to note that the proposed rate reduction is not supported by any formal rate study
• for SDSPA and medical... ...vote no to the HB 10 proposed rate reductions for SDSPA and medical PA rates

Committee: House Budget

Transcript Highlights:

• rates here.
• rates here.
• rates here.
• rates here.
• </c> little higher higher interest rates. little higher higher interest rates.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> match rate which is just over 50%. match rate which is just over 50%.
• Minnesota's rate is 2.1%.
• Minnesota's rate is 2.1%.
• </c> a payment error rate above 3%. a payment error rate above 3%.
• </c> Minnesota's rate is 2.1%. Minnesota's rate is 2.1%.

Bills: HR1

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• And we're going to have to hold that vacancy rate at a minimum.
• We run a very low vacancy rate. We use the positions we're funded.
• Right now, we have about a 40% vacancy rate.
• We get a better rate for them than they could get.
• The rates are fair market value.

Committees: Senate Senate Finance , Senate House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Our rate of return was 9.68%.
• We're not subsidizing it at the rate that we once were.
• We've outpaced our assumed rate of return at 7.5%.
• And I will say, there is a slide that shows the different rates.
• We pay amongst the highest contribution rates in the country.

Committee: House Investments & Pensions Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• They get 55 percent of the tax rate in, quote, unquote, the small business tax rate.
• And the bottom 20% saw their federal tax rate drop to the lowest level in 40 years.
• Let's be clear about who benefits from an extension of these tax rates.
• , labor force participation rate was growing at the fastest pace in years.
• Homeownership was growing at a fast rate in 15 years.

Committee: Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee

Keywords: joint hearing, small business, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, economic recovery, tax relief, job creation

Summary: In this joint hearing of the House Committee on Small Business and the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, the primary focus was on the importance of making the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) permanent. The chair emphasized that small businesses are crucial for the nation's economic recovery, especially in the wake of current federal policies perceived as detrimental. Witnesses shared their experiences and highlighted how the tax cuts facilitated job creation and business expansion, stressing the need for continued support through ongoing tax relief measures. The meeting included discussions about the economic implications of the TCJA's potential expiration, with members voicing their concerns regarding how this could impact small businesses and the broader economy.

Transcript Highlights:

• They have to pay half the rate. It's 0.44, which means they can pay as little as 0.22.
• The general rate is 0.88.
• So the rate has to be set.
• for the general rate is 088 for for rate for the general rate is 088 for for small<00:07:56.440><c>
• </c><00:07:59.680><c> is</c> that's correct so the general rate is that's correct so the general rate

Transcript Highlights:

• So if property values go up, you can keep the mill rate the exact same amount and get more money, but
• </c><00:07:59.520><c> at</c><00:07:59.680><c> which</c> going down, then the the rate at which going
• down, then the the rate at which it'll<00:08:00.160><c> be</c><00:08:00.400><c> per</c><00:08:01.280>
• So you could have at a general rate up.
• set by other governmental uh mill rates set by other governmental entities.<00:08:55.680><c> So</c><

Transcript Highlights:

• Instead, states without inspections often enjoy slightly lower auto insurance rates than the national
• It wasn't looking at individual accidents; it was looking at just the overall rate of fatal accidents
• We're causing our mechanics to lose on an hourly rate, all so that we can say, yeah, but we're doing
• They get paid $12.50, and their regular shop rate is $90 an hour.
• Do you think that the fatality rate would be impacted by this bill? Truthfully, no.

Transcript Highlights:

• Instead, states without inspections often enjoy slightly lower auto insurance rates than the national
• It wasn't looking at individual accidents; it was looking at just the overall rate of fatal accidents
• We're causing our mechanics to lose on an hourly rate, all so that we can say, yeah, but we're doing
• They get paid $12.50, and their regular shop rate is $90 an hour.
• Do you think that the fatality rate would be impacted by this bill? Truthfully, no.

Summary: The House first established a quorum, then took up a package of House Committee Substitutes for House Bills 1838, 1692, 1695, 1983, 2036, 2662, and 2743. The bills were described as eliminating mandatory vehicle safety inspections in Missouri, with supporters arguing the inspections are outdated, costly, inconvenient, and not clearly linked to fewer crashes or fatalities. They cited studies and examples from other states, and several members emphasized the burden on rural drivers and mechanics. Opponents argued inspections help catch tire, brake, and other equipment problems, and warned that removing them could increase risks to children, highway workers, and other motorists. Members debated specific provisions in the merged bill, including exemptions and requirements for street rods, custom vehicles, agricultural vehicles, interstate commerce vehicles, and vehicles involved in accidents or salvage situations. An amendment was offered to correct a drafting error involving commercial vehicles and was adopted. The sponsor repeatedly clarified that the bill would not make inspections illegal, only remove the state mandate, while opponents questioned the studies cited and raised concerns about fatality impacts and unsafe vehicles. The House then adopted the committee substitute as amended and perfected and printed the bill package. After the bill action, members made announcements, including a birthday recognition and committee meeting notices. The House was then adjourned until February 11, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Obviously, in 2020, due to the pandemic and due to incredibly low interest rates, work from home—you
• Industry due to affordability challenges, prolonged high interest rates, and a new normal land price.
• If I look at Colorado, where the tax rate Is comparable; it's a little bit higher, but it's only taxed
• And when we think about birth rates, all of those things, is that the tail or is that the dog?
• At the end of the day, we pay a lot for these IRBs that come out; they also get g-rated.

Committee: House Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Force

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> and asked for a significant rate and asked for a significant rate increase<00:32:40.279><c> in</
• Even with these rate increases, HPIA has been unable to break even.
• </c><00:39:50.000><c> need</c><00:39:50.319><c> going</c> look at rate need going look at rate need going
• </c> um it's on them to to agree to the rates um it's on them to to agree to the rates that<00:57:46.480
• </c> ground what they can offer at what rates ground what they can offer at what rates why<01:25:47.639

Transcript Highlights:

• cases. and this is because Leak-prone pipe should be recovered in base rate cases.
• customer base, and those rates will rise for the remaining customers.
• So GSEP spending starts outside the rate base and traditional rate making in the bar chart to the right
• The figure to the left shows a gas rate case, which was in 2020.
• So GSEP spending starts outside the rate base and traditional rate making in the bar chart to the right

Committee: Senate Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming

Summary: The committee heard testimony on two related issues: gas utilities’ climate compliance plans filed with the Department of Public Utilities and the recent DPU orders reforming the Gas System Enhancement Program (GSEP). Chair Creem and other senators emphasized that Massachusetts must reduce gas use, shrink the gas distribution footprint, and move customers to alternatives such as heat pumps, network geothermal, and non-gas pipeline alternatives (NPAs). DPU Chair Jamie Van Nostrand said the new GSEP orders lower the annual revenue cap from 3.0% to 2.5%, phase it down toward 1.5%, eliminate carrying charges, require more rigorous risk prioritization, and push utilities to consider advanced leak technology, relining, repairs, and NPAs. He also described the climate compliance plans as the start of a longer process covering decommissioning, stranded costs, line extension allowances, integrated energy planning, and targeted electrification demonstrations. Senators pressed the DPU and utility witnesses on the lack of specificity in the climate compliance plans, especially the absence of numeric goals for gas usage reduction, customer conversions, and near-term deployment of NPAs. Utility representatives from Eversource and National Grid said their plans include NPA frameworks, integrated energy planning, targeted electrification pilots, network geothermal, and workforce transition efforts, but argued that implementation takes time, requires customer participation, and depends on coordination with electric utilities and communities. They said some NPA and electrification projects are being evaluated now, while larger-scale deployment is expected later in the decade. Senators also raised concerns about line extension allowances, with utilities explaining that new customers may be charged based on whether existing ratepayers would otherwise be harmed, while National Grid said it has begun increasing customer contributions to send stronger price signals. Attorney General Mary Gardner supported the DPU’s GSEP reforms and said the office favors eventually stepping the GSEP cap down to zero by 2030, with repair and replacement costs recovered in base rate cases instead. She argued that the utilities’ plans still rely too heavily on business-as-usual approaches, do not adequately quantify scope 3 emissions, and leave unresolved questions about the obligation to serve and the future of line extension allowances. Advocacy witnesses from the Conservation Law Foundation and Acadia Center were more critical, saying the plans lack the detailed modeling, targets, and transparency needed to show how the utilities will help meet the Commonwealth’s heating and cooling sublimits and broader climate goals. No votes were taken; the hearing consisted of testimony and questioning.

Transcript Highlights:

• GSA rate, they're actually lower than the GSA rate.
• But this is the in-state rate for Louisiana. That's one.
• But this is the in-state rate for Louisiana.
• Each state utilizes either the GSA rate or below.
• They follow the same GSA rate. You want them to stick with these rates here. Yes, sir.

Summary: The Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee met on May 20, 2026, with a quorum present and no minutes available for approval. The committee first heard HB 181, which would let the legislative auditor review income tax data to verify eligibility for Medicaid and, at LDH’s request, SNAP. The auditor said the work would be limited to internal data testing under sharing agreements and not disclosed to third parties. After questions about privacy and duplication, the bill was reported favorably to the floor without objection. The committee then took up HB 906 on presidential preference primaries and party nominating petitions. The Secretary of State and bill author said the measure would let major parties decide whether unaffiliated voters may participate in their primaries, with 180 days’ notice to the state, and would keep party rules consistent within presidential years so elections can be programmed properly. Several senators raised concerns that the bill would disenfranchise no-party voters and give parties too much control, but supporters said both major parties had approved the approach. The committee voted 4-3 to report the bill favorably. Members also advanced HB 398, which would require the judiciary to use the federal GSA meal per diem rate instead of the current higher state judicial rate; HB 1052, which strengthens confidentiality protections for child abuse investigations handled by child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary teams; HB 1245, which protects witness criminal history records from unintended public release in clerk of court records; HB 202, which requires state civil service or hiring agencies to notify applicants when a vacancy is filled or they are rejected; HB 540, which requires disclosure of paid digital election advertising; HB 9, designating stuffed shrimp as a Louisiana specialty; HB 1057, extending the validity of absentee-by-mail applications for military voters from one year to two; HB 225, proposing a constitutional amendment to limit governors to two lifetime terms; HB 177, allowing retired court reporters to contract with former public employers; and HB 459, requiring disclosure when campaign materials use AI, with amendments adopted after discussion of First Amendment and campaign finance concerns. The committee also rejected an amendment to HB 1057 that would have expanded Sunday early voting in certain parishes. After the bills, the committee held confirmation hearings for James Kelly and Charles Wilkinson to the Board of Supervisors of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, both of whom described education and workforce development backgrounds and were favorably received.

Transcript Highlights:

• the GSA rate, they're actually lower than the GSA rate.
• But this is the in-state rate for Louisiana. That's one.
• They take it up and say, well, what is our per diem rate going to be?
• Each state utilizes either the GSA rate or below.
• They follow the same GSA rate. You want them to stick with these rates here? Yes, sir.

Bills: HB9 , HB177 , HB181 , HB202 , HB225 , HB398 , HB459 , HB540 , HB906 , HB1052 , HB1057 , HB1245

Committee: Senate Senate & Governmental Affairs

Keywords: HB 9, HB9, Act 527, Shreveport, Stuffed Shrimp Capital, state symbol, Louisiana symbols, municipal designation, honorary title, cultural designation, tourism, local pride, seafood, shrimp, stuffed shrimp, cuisine, city branding, Louisiana Revised Statutes 49:170.26, court reporter, official court reporter

Transcript Highlights:

• So the Governor's budget proposes raising the rate to $99 per student, and we're saying you could do
• We are very supportive of the Governor's proposal to increase the base rate. That is helpful.
• We are very supportive of the Governor's proposal to increase the base rate. That is helpful.
• As you heard today, identification rates in special education have increased significantly.
• ...consideration supporting the $999 base rate.

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education heard the Governor’s proposals on dual enrollment, reading difficulty screeners, special education, school facilities, and Commission on Teacher Credentialing programs. For dual enrollment, the Department of Finance described a $100 million one-time Proposition 98 General Fund proposal to expand the Dual Enrollment Opportunities Grant Program, add flexibility for regional occupational centers, support justice-involved youth, prioritize higher-need LEAs, and allow funds for teacher professional development, along with a reduction in required instructional minutes for some dual enrollment students. The LAO recommended rejecting the new funding, saying it did not address a clear implementation barrier, while CDE supported the proposal and suggested reserving $10 million for technical assistance. Members and public commenters largely supported the expansion, with some urging additional technical assistance and broader access, including adult dual enrollment. The committee then discussed the reading difficulty screener proposal, which includes $40 million one-time Proposition 98 General Fund for implementation costs and statutory changes that would delay formal screening until the 91st day for kindergarten and the 46th day for grades 1-2. Finance said the timing was intended to reduce over-identification and align screening with sufficient exposure to instruction; the LAO recommended rejecting the funding and redirecting it to a discretionary block grant. CDE supported the investment but cautioned about the timing restrictions, and several members and public witnesses argued the proposed deadlines were too rigid and could delay early intervention, while others supported the structured timeline as a way to improve accuracy and reduce misidentification. On special education, Finance presented a proposal to increase the statewide base rate to $99 per ADA through a $509 million ongoing Proposition 98 General Fund augmentation, plus COLA and a negative growth adjustment. The LAO said the proposal should be adopted but estimated it could be achieved with less funding; CDE strongly supported the increase, citing rising enrollment and local cost pressures, and district and SELPA representatives described large local funding gaps and growing expenditures. The committee also reviewed school facilities funding under Proposition 2, with Finance and the Office of Public School Construction describing $1.5 billion in proposed bond spending, existing balances for new construction and modernization, and the use of bond authority for natural disaster recovery, including projects related to recent fires. For the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, the committee heard about the Student Teacher Stipend Program, the Golden State Teacher Grant, state operations funding for misconduct investigations and SB 848 implementation, and a $250 million proposal to extend the Teacher Residency Grant Program; CTC supported the proposals and highlighted new data systems and technical assistance, while public testimony broadly backed the investments and urged continued or additional funding for teacher recruitment, literacy screening support, and special education.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section nine deals with the income tax rate reduction.
• In fiscal years 25-26 and 26-27, we allow the rate to go down by a quarter or a half.
• Right now, the statute contemplates the tax reduction being based off of a rate.
• This converts the rate to an assessed value.
• this this converts based off of a rate this this converts the<00:21:55.440><c> rate</c><00:21:55.799

Summary: The committee first reconsidered House Joint Resolution 53, which concerns releasing previously appropriated funds for Kentucky State University. Kentucky State University President Kofi Aapo testified in support, describing significant enrollment growth, a balanced budget, and a $5 million fund balance since his arrival, and asking for continued support. Members praised his leadership while noting the institution still has work to do. The motion to reconsider passed, and the resolution then received favorable expression by a 9-2 vote. The committee next took up House Bill 622, a compromise bill involving the Kentucky Nonprofit Network and the Finance and Administration Cabinet. Testimony explained that the bill is intended to improve prompt payment practices for grants and contracts, including partial payments on undisputed invoice items within 30 days and a process for disputed items. The bill also included several appropriation-related corrections and adjustments, including a fix to an allocation for Elizabethtown water and sewer projects, a change in an economic development recipient, revisions to school resource officer language, and additional contingency authority for the Capitol renovation. The committee adopted a title amendment and passed the bill with favorable expression by a 10-1 vote. House Bill 775 was then discussed as a broad tax and economic development measure. The bill covers TIF districts, electronic filing for craft brewers, pipeline property tax treatment, bourbon barrel tax cleanup, staged income tax reductions, extension of the Metropolitan College incentive, tourism and lodging incentives, reauthorization of an expired TIF, taxation and licensing of cannabis-infused beverages, alternative fuels and jet fuel tax credit review, entertainment event incentives, the selling farmer tax credit, IRC conformity, data center incentives, the first audit of the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation, and limits on additional electronic charity gaming locations until regulations are adopted. Members raised questions about the beverage tax structure, TIF impacts, and the income tax reduction provisions; some expressed concern about making future tax cuts easier, while others supported the bill’s TIF and agriculture provisions. The bill passed with favorable expression by a 7-2 vote with two pass votes, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• improving retention rates for these positions.
• You pointed out reductions in vacancy rates with CPIs and APIs.
• What do you attribute these reduced vacancy rates to?
• You gave us the CPI vacancy rates and the API vacancy rates in terms of percentages, but what does it
• I would assume they're not going to start at that base rate.

Committee: Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs

Summary: The committee heard three presentations focused on child welfare workforce development and the needs of children in Florida’s dependency system. First, the Florida Institute for Child Welfare described its Grow Center and related initiatives, including academic curriculum enhancements, simulations, virtual reality training, coaching, on-demand learning, advanced certifications, and the planned Tallahassee learning lab opening in January 2026. Members asked about conflict resolution, domestic violence, addiction, and microcredentials; the presenter said the institute is expanding training in those areas and is working with DCF to align advanced certifications with the department’s career ladder. The Department of Children and Families then presented on the Continue the Mission initiative, which recruits veterans, military spouses, and former law enforcement officers into CPI, API, and case management roles. DCF said it has held more than 240 hiring events and hired 372 such workers since launch, while also improving recruitment and retention through higher starting pay, streamlined hiring, rebranding, wellness supports, and enhanced pre-service training. Senators asked about PTSD concerns, staffing levels, caseloads, hotline vacancies, and salaries; DCF said it had not seen direct PTSD issues from the hiring effort and provided figures including a $50,000 starting salary for CPIs, $37,000 for APIs, and average caseloads of 12 to 15 investigations for CPIs and about 10 for APIs. Finally, DCF discussed the increased acuity of children in the dependency system, explaining that fewer children are entering care overall but those who do often have more complex behavioral, mental health, developmental, or medical needs. The department highlighted a new Behavioral Qualified Residential Treatment Program (BQRTP) designed for youth who need more intensive support than traditional foster or group home settings but do not require inpatient psychiatric treatment; one facility is licensed with 12 of 14 beds filled, and DCF said it is seeking funding for placement for 230 youth total. Members pressed for details on licensure timelines, standards, funding, and the handling of crossover youth and lockouts, and DCF said it uses braided funding and works with DJJ, APD, and lead agencies through local and state review teams. A representative of the Florida Coalition for Children also testified, saying the issue is complex and multi-year, and that the coalition is working on possible legislative and programmatic solutions. The committee took no formal votes and adjourned after the presentations and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• , risk ratings, and controversy ratings based on non-pecuniary factors to inflict economic harm on Israel
• and risk ratings and controversy ratings to add into the definition of what boycott of Israel is, Morningstar
• It was a controversy rating that they would publish on companies.
• , financial ratings, risk ratings, If you are doing any of these types of controversy ratings, financial
• ratings, risk ratings, and it is discriminatory in nature to Israel, you know, there were examples where

Summary: The Government Operations Subcommittee met with a quorum and began with member introductions and remarks from the chair emphasizing the committee’s focus on government efficiency, accountability, and oversight of executive branch agencies. Members shared their districts and backgrounds, with several noting hurricane recovery in their communities and a shared interest in reducing bureaucracy and improving service to Floridians. The committee’s only presentation was from Chris Spencer, Executive Director of the State Board of Administration, who gave an overview of the SBA’s governance structure, investment responsibilities, and divestment policies. He explained the SBA’s management of more than $257 billion in assets, including the Florida Retirement System, the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund, and Florida PRIME, and reviewed the Protecting Florida’s Investments Act restrictions covering Northern Ireland, Cuba, Venezuela, Israel, Sudan, Iran, and China. He also described the implementation of HB 7071, including the required divestment from direct holdings in Chinese companies, and said the SBA had reduced its direct Chinese holdings from 33 companies totaling over $172 million to 13 companies totaling about $64 million, with completion expected ahead of the September 1, 2025 deadline. Members asked detailed questions about the Israel boycott list, Morningstar and MSCI, how the SBA gathers information, whether Cuba’s federal designation changes affect Florida law, how companies are removed from scrutinized lists, and whether divestment timing could affect returns. Spencer said the SBA uses public and paid research sources, gives companies a 90-day cure period in some cases, and brings list changes to the trustees for approval. He also explained that the China benchmark change is intended to reduce passive exposure while still allowing active investment decisions, and said the PFIA restrictions have had a modestly positive overall effect on pension performance. The chair also asked about the Florida Retirement System funded ratio and the CAT Fund’s capacity; Spencer said the pension fund is at 80.7% funded, that actuarial assumptions are reviewed regularly, and that the CAT Fund currently has more than $10.5 billion in liquid claims-paying capacity and is expected to remain well positioned for hurricane losses. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentation and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• The rates jumped to 456, a 65% increase for three of us.
• to a 50% rate for those members.
• to a graduated rate structure that taxes highly profitable corporations, Tax rate to a graduated rate
• We have data that shows improved mortality rates.
• We have data that shows improved mortality rates.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee held an informational hearing on the impact of federal H.R. 1 and related state budget actions on California’s health care system. Opening remarks framed the federal changes as a major threat to Medi-Cal, Covered California, hospitals, clinics, and the broader safety net, with warnings that millions could lose coverage and that costs would shift to providers, counties, and consumers. Testimony from the California Health Care Foundation and the Legislative Analyst’s Office focused on implementation challenges, the administrative burden of work requirements and more frequent renewals, the loss of federal funding, and the need for California to consider long-term structural changes to Medi-Cal, county safety-net programs, and cost containment. A Covered California enrollee, Chas Franklin, described sharply rising premiums for his family after losing subsidies, illustrating the personal impact of federal policy changes. Committee members raised concerns about whether premium increases were driven by H.R. 1 or insurer pricing, the cost of rebuilding county-based indigent care systems, and the need to account for the cost of inaction. Dr. Hernandez pointed to pre-ACA models such as Healthy San Francisco as examples of coordinated local safety-net care, while also emphasizing the importance of primary care, data interoperability, and the Office of Health Care Affordability in reducing waste and improving access. Department of Health Care Services officials then outlined the state’s implementation plan for H.R. 1, including work requirements, six-month redeterminations, reduced retroactive coverage, cost-sharing, and immigration-related eligibility changes. They said the department would try to automate eligibility checks, expand outreach, and train counties and partners, but estimated up to 2 million Californians could lose coverage over time. Covered California reported that the expiration of enhanced federal premium tax credits and new federal marketplace rules are already raising costs and reducing enrollment, with an estimated 400,000 enrollees at risk of dropping coverage. County, hospital, and safety-net representatives warned that coverage losses will increase uncompensated care and strain local systems, while one coalition proposed a temporary state-funded coverage option as a bridge if full-scope Medi-Cal cannot be maintained. The hearing concluded with a policy analyst urging stakeholder engagement, immigrant protections, and new state revenue options to preserve coverage and offset federal cuts.